あぐら

あぐら (also written 胡座(あぐら) or 胡坐(あぐら) in kanji, though kana is more common) is a casual sitting posture where both legs are crossed in front of the body. In Japanese culture, this is considered an informal way to sit and is generally acceptable for men in casual settings but has traditionally been considered less appropriate for women, though this norm is relaxing.

Usage

The standard expression is あぐらをかく (to sit cross-legged). The verb かく is specific to this expression.

Common collocations

• あぐらをかく: to sit cross-legged
• あぐらで座(すわ)る: to sit in a cross-legged position
• あぐらをかいて食(た)べる: eat while sitting cross-legged

Similar words

• 正座(せいざ): seiza — the formal sitting position with legs folded underneath
• 体育座(たいいくずわ)り: gym class sitting — sitting with knees drawn up and arms around them

Common expressions

あぐらをかく can also mean "to rest on one's laurels" or "to be complacent," used figuratively to describe someone who takes a comfortable position without making effort: 成功(せいこう)にあぐらをかく (to rest on the laurels of one's success).